Microsized Living and the Bike

I’m not sure if you’d call it a trend, but there has been some people moving over to the “micro home” lifestyle. It’s become a housing option and is defined as a home with less than 500 square feet. The appeal behind this concept is that you have a cheap and easy to own place to live with minimal maintenance.

If you saw my post called “The Less You Own, The Less That Owns You”, then you’ll know that I’m a firm believer in the benefits of simplicity….but I haven’t yet moved into a micro home. But if the idea of a micro interests you, why not make it a micro-bike home? That’s right, this micro concept has totally made its way into the cycling world…and for good reason. If you’re going to live in a minimal home like this, why not make it mobile and human-powered?

Here are just a few of the wild micro-bike homes out there:

Supertramp

The Supertramp is a micro-mobile living concept that is part of the Lehman B Project – a “do tank” which explores future strategies by actually doing them. This home is made up of a living device that is towed by bike and is made with a very rigid frame and cloth. One side of the home opens up like a window while the other side features a front door. Inside this micro home is a small wood burning fire with chimney, and a bed….yeah, that’s about it in this one. The intent for this home was to explore a more minimal lifestyle, and I’m pretty sure they succeeded. More on the Supertramp can be found at www.treehugger.com.

Topeak Bikamper

This one is more of a micro tent than a home, but it combines the use of a bike by using the handlebars as tent poles. I can totally see some of my adventurous MTB buddies out there with this one. It’s fully waterproof, has three windows, and packs down for easy carrying. It is designed to be used with a 26″ mountain bike or 700C road bike, but I’m pretty sure it could work with a 29’er as well. For more information on the Topeak Bikamper, check out www.trendhunter.com.

Kevin Cyr Pedal-Powered Camper

Back in 2008, artist Kevin Cyr built a bike powered camper for one that was mounted on a bike frame and had two rear wheels added to help it roll. Now you’ve probably seen pictures of this one floating around the social media networks and thought it was a bit of a joke. But it’s all real and this just might be the most live-able micro-bike living option I’ve seen out there. The camper includes all the amenities that can fit in this size of home and will definitely turn some heads when you’re seen cruising down the road.

So what do you think? Could you live in one of these Micro-Bike Homes?

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

Answer:

Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out. Have you tried either of these? Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.